The year has been so full of experiences and adventures that I hope to learn from. I want to remember and share some of the good and bad highlights along with a few of the lessons that I have learned this year.
The Good
- I have continued to test my mind and body while I train and race and am constantly amazed at what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it.
- I know what it takes to keep my body fueled for events ranging from a 5 km run to a half ironman distance triathlon.
- I know that I can swim 1.2 miles and still look forward to the bike and run (I wasn't so sure after dropping out of my first half ironman distance event and suffering through my second. The third was the charm...).
- I have come to appreciate a shared experience with everyone I see exercising or training. It doesn't matter how fast, slow, fit, or out of shape you are; we are all trying to better ourselves in some way.
- I have met a lot of new people that inspire me to take on new challenges. I also like to think that I might have inspired a few others.
- I did not have any serious injuries.
- If it wasn't for my swim, I'd be a pretty decent triathlete.
- I had a number of personal records for the year and have placed in the overall top three in three events, although I have yet to capture the elusive 1st place spot.
- I am discovering the beauty of the outdoors. Prior to this year I couldn't name many of the mountains or parks in the Phoenix area, now I've run many of them and look forward to running the rest.
- I have learned that racing while sick is not worth it. During my first marathon of the year I raced with a chest cold. I finished with a decent time but my chest began to hurt and my same-day trip to urgent care ended up at the ER with a heart attack scare (if you want more details you can see them here: Rock n' Roll Marathon).
- Training and racing costs time and money, both of which are in limited supply. It is a continuing struggle for me to find the right balance and to pass on events that I would love to test my metal in.
- My ankles, arches, and right knee have limited my ability to run for the month of December.
- I like racing, medals, winning, and the camaraderie that can be found during events.
- I no longer "work-out", I train and explore what I can do and who I am.
- I am a good runner, a decent cyclist, and a mediocre swimmer.
- The right kind/amount of fuel is needed for every race.
- Finding the right pace for the event is the key to success.
- There will always be someone that is faster than me.
- Success comes from knowing your limits.
- I have a few road races scheduled for the beginning of the year.
- I believe that I am close to being able to qualify for Boston. I ran a 6:57 min/mile pace in my most recent half marathon that should put me on track to run a sub 7:15 min/mile pace for the full. I have a marathon planned for the end of February that should be a good indicator (assuming my knee feels better).
- I would like to run a lot of trails. They make me feel better in mind and body.
Thanks!
- Thank you to my family, friends, and sponsor. You support, inspire, and fuel me so that I can Tri to Achieve!
- Note: If any of you are interested in a great recovery or sports drink, check out Mike's Mix at http://www.mikesmixrecoverydrink.com/.
2014 Races
2014 Workout Hours
2014 Bike Summary
2014 Run Summary
